Type-writing machine.



B. C. STICKNEY.

TYPE WRlTlNG MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 19. 1911.

1,163,790. Patented Dec. 14, 19L).

FIG. 1. FIG. 2. FIG. 3.

INVENTOR:

WITNESSES:

UNITED %TATE% PATENT @lhlhlitlli.

BURNHAM C. STICKNEY, 0F ELIZABETH, NEV J'EBFJEY, ASSIGNOR TO UNDERW'OOID TYPEVRITER COMPANY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., AGORPORATION 0F DELAWARE.

TYPE-WRITING MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed-July 19, 1911. Serial No. 638,314.

To all whom itmay concern:

Be it known that I, BURNHAM C. STICK- NEY, a citizen of the United States, residing in Elizabeth, in the county of Union and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Type- Writing Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to means for releasing the platens from the line-space wheels of typewriting machines.

One object of the invention is to provide a positively acting train of connections between the'line-space wheel and the platen, so that the platen will not either overthrow or underthrow when the usual line-spacing lever is violently actuated, and so as to render the machine more reliable under all other conditions; while permitting easy release of the platen from the line space wheel when oesired.

Other objectsare to secure-these results by inexpensive, compact and durable mechanism, and to construct a device whichcan be readily applied to existing machines.

The accompanying drawings show the preferred form of my present improvements. In this form, an internal gear device is secured to the line-space wheel. A. pinion meshes with said internal gear, and is pivoted to an arm which is fixed to the axle to which the platen'is also fixed or connected. I also provide two loose arms, each carrying a pinion to mesh with said internal gear, and each movable independently of the other (and independently of said fixed arm) about the platen axle; such movement of the loose arms being independent also-of-the line-space wheel.

To each of the two pinions onthe" two loose arms, is fixed a ratchet or toothed wheel, for the purpose of engaging'two corresponding ratchets, which latter are fixed on i to the first-mentioned pinion, that is to the pinion upon the arm which is fixed to the platen axle. Said fixed'arm. therefore. carries a series of ratchets, while each of the loose-arms, hasonly one ratchet. The ratchets on the loose armsare adaptedto engage the ratcliets on the fiXedarm' in a'manner to prevent rotation" off the ratchets and pinion on the fixed arm, and hence to preventrelative rotation of the line-sl'q'acewheel and platen. Une'ofsaidfloose armsti's disposed on'one side of'said fi'xedarm; an'dthe other loose arm is disposed on the other side thereof. The teeth of the ratchet on one loose arm are disposed oppositely to those on the ratchet on the other loose arm, and hence one of said ratchets prevents relative move ment of the line-space wheel and platen in one direction, while the other of said ratchets prevents such relative movement in the opposite direction.

One of the important features of the presont improvements resides in the provision of two auxiliary or reserve loose arms, each carrying a pinion in mesh with said internal gear, and each pinion having a ratchet Hence there are two similar loose arms (with their pinions and ratchets) on each side of the fixed arm, so that in case the teeth of any ratchet do not properly engage the teeth of the-corresponding ratchet carried on the fixed arm, then the ratchet on the other loose arm of the same pair will properly engage the teeth of its associated ratchet on the fixed arm (the latter prefe ably carrying four ratchets, r one for each of the loose-arm ratchets). The proper engagement of only one ratchet of each pair is sutiicient to accomplish the purpose. Usually the ratchets of both loosearms engage properly, so that four connections are made between the piaten and line-space wheel; but by the provision of the two extra ratchets on the loose arms, it is insured that there will always be engagement of at leastvone loose ratchet with its corresponding ratchet on the fixed arm; and the teeth of the ratchets on the loose arms preferably have a staggering or otherwise differentiated arrangement for this purpose, that is, when the loose arms in either pair register with each other, theirratchets are not in register, the teeth of one being rotatively advanced beyond the teeth of the other. The corresponding ratchets on the fixed arm may also be staggered or out of register with each other, as shown at Fig. 5. If one loose arm fails to connect, the other loose arm in the same pair must necessarily make the desired connection between platen and line-space wheel.

at finger piece is connected to means for separating the loose arms to withdraw all four of theirratchets-from the four ratchetsion' thefixed arm. so that the platen may wheel"; and sprii'igs thereafter return the "atchct wheels into engagement with cne another, thus reconnecting the platen to the line-space wheel.

By having the ratchet wheels oppositely disposed, they may engage in such a manner that a ratchet on one side of the middle ratchet will positivelv prevent relative shake or movement of the platen and'lines ace wheel in one direction. while the ratchet wheel on the other side of the middle one positively prevents relative movement thereof in the ether direction. so that there can be no lost motion between the platen and the linespace wheel at any time.

' Other objects and advantages will here.- inafter appear.

In the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a side elevation of one end of a platen frame, and line-space wheel, illustrating the present improvements in one form. Fig. 2 is an elevation. partly in cross-section, of the line-space wheel and connected parts. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section of the invention. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the releasing lever. Fig. 5 is an enlarged diagram to illustrate the gear and the interlocking ratchets. Fig. 6 is a part-sectional plan, illustrating the train of gears and ratchets. Fig. 7 is a part sectional elevation or diagram. illustrating the method of releasing the platen from the line-space wheel. Fig. 8 is a sectional end view, showing the releasing lever and the casing which incloses the gearing.

The usual cylindrical platen 1 is fixed by a pin 2 upon an axle 3, which is iournaled in the usual manner in the ends 1 of a platen frame, and projects beyond said ends, and carries at each end a knob 5 fixed to the platen axle. Loose upon the platen axle is a line-space wheel 6, having a hub 7. The line-space wheel is held in normal position by a detent 8, and is operated by the usual mechanism, including a driving pawl 9. Fixed upon the line-space wheel 6 is an annular internal gear 10, seated in and fixed to an annular flange 11 which pro jects from the face of the line-space wheel. Fixed to the platen axle 3 by means of a pin 12 or otherwise, is a radial arm 13, to the free end of which is pivoted a pinion 14 meshing closely with the gear 10. Loose upon the platen axle 3, is an arm 15 carrying a pinion 16, also in mesh with the gear 10. Also loose upon said axle is an arm 17 carrying a pinion 18 likewise in mesh with said gear 10. and on the opposite side of 1-1 from 16. Fixed to the loose-arm pinion 16 is a ratchet wheel 19; and fixed to the pinion 18 is a ratchet wheel 20. These ratchet wheels maybe similarly formed, but the teeth on one 'atchet may point oppositely from those on the other ratchet. Fixed to the pinion 14 upon the fixed arm 13, are two ratchet wheels 21 and 2 set so that their teeth pcint oppositely. Fig. 5; 21 beingengageable by 19, and 22 being engageable by 20. The teeth on 19 and 20 are preferably coarser than those. on 21'and 22, to avoid binding or other faulty action; it being understood that the ratchets do not rotate togcther in mesh, but that the function of 19 and 20, on the contrary, is to prevent rotation of 21 and 22. A spring 23 holds the ratchets 19 and 20 in mesh with the ratchets 21 and 22; said spring being connected at one end to an extension 24: of loose arm 15, and at the other end to an extension 25 of loose arm 17; said extensions being preferably below the platen axle 3, that is, upon the opposite side of said axle from said pinions, for compactness.

It will be understood that under almost all circumstances, the ratchets 19 and 20 will be drawn by the spring 23 into proper engagement with the ratchets 21 and 22; but it is possible that either of the last-mentioned ratchets may be occasionally in such a position, that the tips of the teeth on 19 or 20 will engage the tips of the teeth on 21 or 22, so that a complete proper connection will not be madebetween the line-space wheel and platen, to prevent relative movement thereof in either direction. To provide for this contingency, I have. added an arm 26, similar to 15 and behind the same, or to the right thereof at Fig. 3; and I have also provided an arm 27 similar to 17 and behind the latter. These arms 26 and 27 are both loose upon the platen axle 3, and each movable independently of the other and of the remaining arms; and they carry respectively ratchets 28 and 29 to engage with ratchets 30 and 31, which are also fixed to the pinion 11, and correspond in form, size and position with 21 and 22 at Figs. 5 and 6; ratchets 30 and 31 being placed behind the pinion 14 at Fig. 5.

For convenience, the arm 13 is forked or slotted at 32, Fig. 3, to receive the pinion 14; the ratchets 21 and 22 being in front of said arm, and the ratchets 30 and 31 being behind said arm. The loose arm 26 carries a pinion 33, Fig. 6, in mesh with the gear 10, and the loose arm 27 carries a pinion 34 also in mesh with 10; but the relation of the pinions to the gear is such, in each instance, that a staggering relation is secured between the ratchets 19 and 28, and also between the ratchets 20 and 29,as seen at Fig. 5. If the tips of the teeth on either 19 or 28 interfere with or foul the tips of the teeth of either 21 or 30, the others of said ratchets (either 19 and 21 or 28 and 30) will properly engage. Either 15 or 26 is sure to cause a positive connection -to be effected in one direction between the line-space wheel and platen, while at the same time either 17 or 27 will form a similar connection in the other directionbetween said line-spacewheel and platen. In other words, the teeth of 19 and 28 cannot concomitantly foul upon the teeth of 21 and 30; and the same is true of the ratchet wheels on the opposite side of the arm 13. A spring 35 is connected to extensions 36 and 37 of the arms 26' and 27 respectively, said spring corresponding in function to the spring 23. It will be seen that each of the pinions'16, 18, 33 and 34, together with the locking ratchet 19, 20, 28 or 29 fixed thereto, provides a locking device to lock and hold against rotation the rotatable device comprising the pinion 14 and ratchets 21, 22, 30 and 31 fixed thereto. These locking devices cotiperate with the said rotatable device to prevent the latter from rotating on the arm 13 or rolling on the gear 1.0, so that relative rotation of the platen and line-space wheel is prevented.

When the loose arms 15,17, 26, 27 are swung to the positions seen at Fig. 7, the wheels on the middle arm 13 will be disengaged from those on said loose arms, and hence the platen may be rotated independently of the line-space wheel. The movements of the parts to the Fig. 7 position are effected by a finger piece 38, mounted upon a pair of stems 39, which pass through the hand-wheel 5, and at their inner ends are joined to a plate 40 having a hub 41 to slide along the platen axle. This plate. engages a projection 42 on a lever 43, which is pivoted at 44 to a lug 45 formed upon arm 13, and is forked to embrace said lug, and alsoto clear the platen axle 3. At its lower end said lever has bevels or cam edges 46 to pass between the extensions 24, 25, and separate the same. This position is seen at Fig. 7, which is a view taken in the opposite direction from Fig. 2. The extensions24, 25 have ears 47, 48, respectively, which are engaged by the cams 46; and these ears also catch the extensions 36 and 37 respectively, so that the latter are concomitantly separated, and hence all of the ratchets 19, 20, 28, 29 are disconnected from the ratchets fixed on the rotatable arbor or shaft 49, which is mounted on the arm 13, and has the pinion 14 fixed thereto.

The ears 47, 48, as seen at Fig. 2, are normally clear of the extensions 36 and 37, so as to permit relative movements of the arms 15 and .26, as well as of the arms 17 and 27;

,so that if one ratchet wheel, as 19, fouls with another ratchet wheel, as 21, the other arm, as 26, maymove independently, to enable the ratchet wheel 28 to engage with its mate. The bevels 46 terminate in dead portions 50 on said lever 43, which may engage the ears 47, 48 and hold them apart mechanically; so that the operator, by first pressing the button 38 in as far as it will go, will be at liberty to use both hands in adjusting the platen and the work sheet, while upon subsequently pulling out the button 38, disk 40 will engage a hook 51 on said lever 43, andpull the same to normal position, Fig. 3. If the operator does not want to lock the arms apart, he will not press the button in so far.

Variations may be resorted to within the scope of the invention, and portions of the improvements may be used without others.

Having thus'described my invention, I claim:

1. The combination with a platen and a line-space wheel, of a connecting train comprising a gear and an arm, a pair of loose armsea'clrhaving both a pinion to run in mesh with said gear and a ratchet fixed to the pinion, said first-named arm also having a pinion to mesh with said gear, ratchets rigid with said pinion to be engaged bv the first-mentioned ratchets, a second pair of loose arms on the opposite side of said firstnamedarm from the first pair and each also carrying a pinion to mesh with said gear, each of the last-mentioned pinions having a ratchet fixed thereto, and two additional ratchets secured to the pinion upon the firstnamed arm for engagement with the ratchets pivoted upon the last-mentioned loose arms.

2. The combination with a platen and a line-space wheel, of a connecting train comprising a gear and a fixed arm, a pair of loose arms each having both a pinion to run in mesh with said gear and a ratchet fixed to the pinion, said fixed arm also having a pinion to mesh with said gear, ratchets rigid with said pinion to be engaged by the firstmentioned ratchets, a second pair of loose arms on the opposite side of said fixed arm from the first pair and each also carrying a pinion to mesh with said gear, each of the lastmentioned pinions having a ratchet fixed thereto, and two additional ratchets secured to the pinion upon the fixed arm for engagement with the ratchets pivoted upon the lastqnentioned loose arms, the ratchets upon one pair of loose arms being disposed oppositely from those upon the other pair of loose arms, and the four ratchets fixed to the pinion upon the fixed arm being correspondingly disposed.

3. The combination with a platen and a line-space wheel, of a connecting train comprising a gear and a fixed arm, a pair of loose arms each having both a pinion to run in mesh with said gear and a ratchet fixed to the pinion, said fixed arm also having a pinion to mesh with said gear, ratchets rigid with said pinion to be engaged by the firstmentioned ratchets, a second pair of loose arms on the opposite side of said fixed arm from thefirst pair and each also carrying a pinion to mesh with said gear, each of the last-mentioned pinions having a ratchet fixed thereto,'and two additional ratchets secured 'to the pinion upon the fixed arm for engagement with the ratchets pivoted upon 'spondngly disposer the last-mentioned loose arms. the ratchets upon one pair of loosearmsbeino disposed :l. The combination With a platenand aline-space wheel, of a connecting train com prising a gear and a fixed arm a pair of loose arms each having both a pinion to run in mesh with said gear and a ratchet fined to the pinion, ,aid fixed arm also havmg a pinicn to mesh with said gear, ratchets rigid with said pinion to be engaged by the firstmentioned ratchets, a second pair of loose arms on the opposite side of said fixed arm from the first pair and each also carrying a pinion tomesh With said gear, each of the last-mentioned pinions having a ratchet fixed thereto, and tivoadditional ratchets secured tothe pinion upon the fixed arm for engagement with the ratchets pivoted upon the last-mentioned loose arms, the ratchets uponone pair of loose arms being disposed oppositely from these upon the other pair of loose arms, and the tour ratchets fixed to the pinion upon the fixed arm being cone 7 pondingly disposed; the ratchets upon each pair of loose arms being differentiated or staggered with relation to each other, so that the ratchet upon one loose arm interferes, the ratchet upon the other loose arm will properly with its mate upon the fixed arm; springs arranged to tend to throiv the oppositely disposed loose arms toward the fixed arm to cause interengagement of all the pinions, a push-button, a lever connected. to said push button, cams on Said lever arranged to separate the loose arms against the tension of said springs so as to bring said pinions out of eno'agement to release said platen from said line-space lever, said lever having oppositely disposed dwell portions to maintain said loose arms in their separated positions. 7

5. Thecomhination with a platen and a line-space Wheel, of a connecting train comprising a gear and an arm, a pinion on said arm to mesh with said gear, four ratchet Wheels fixed to said pinion, two pairs of loose arms each also having a pinion to mesh with said gear, and four ratchet Wheels fixed to said pinions respectively to engage the first-mentioned four ratchet Wheels to connect the platen and the line-space Wheel.

6. The combination with a platen and a line-space Wheel, of a connecting train com- Vprisin'ga gear and an arm, a pinion on said arm to mesh with said gear, four ratchet wheels fined tof said pinion, two pairs of loose arms each also having a pinion to mesh With said gear, four ratchet Wheels fixed to said pinions respectively to engage the firs mentioned four ratchet Wheels to connect the platen and the line-space Wheel, springs to hold said ratchet Wheels in engagement, and a finger-piece having means to release said ratchet wheelsto permit the platen to be turned independently of the line-space wheel. V s y 7. The combinationivith a platen and a line-space-ivheel', of means forming a connection between said parts freely movable and permitting a relative movementof the platen and line-space Wheel, and duplicate locking means for said connecting means to cause the same to act positively to prevent relative rotation between the platen and p line-space ivheel, said locking; means being connected to prevent relative movement but arranged out of step with each other, so that the action of therone will take place intermediatethat of the other, so as to insure a positivelockine' in all relative positions of the platen and line-space Wheel.

8. The combination with a platen and a line-space Wheel, of a connecting traineomprising a gear and an arm, a device pivoted on said arm and comprising a pinion to mesh With said gear, two pairs 0t loose arms, each of said loose arms movable independently of alltheothers, and a locking device pivoted upon eachloose arm, each of said locking devices comprising; a pinion to run in mesh With'said gear and move said locking devices into engagement" with the firstmentioned device to lock the platen and line space wheel against relative rotation.

9. The combination With a platen and a line-space Wheel, of a connecting train comprising agear and anarm, a device pivoted on said arm and comprising a pinion to mesh with said sear and locking means carried with the pinion, two" pairs of loose arms, .eao'h of saidloo'se arms movable independenth of all the others, and alocking device pivoted upon each loose arm, eachot said locking devicesicomprising' a pinion and locking means carried With the pinion, each pinion arranged to run in mesh with said gear and therebvbrin'gthe locking'means carried therewith into locking engagement with the first-mentioned. locking; means to dock the platenand lineespace Wheel against relative rotation; the locking means on each pair of loose arms being out of step With each other, so that the action o'f one will take place intermediate that'off theother. to

tenable either. to be brought to a locking positionjif the other interferes With the firstnientionedlccking means 7 v 1 10. The comhination with a platen 'and a line-space'zwheel, of a connecting train comrisin a rollin device to ermit relative 23 JD J.

Cir

rotation between the platen'and line-space wheel, locking means connected to roll with said rolling device and having locking surfaces, and a pair of rotatable locking devices, each comprising locking means having locking surfaces to cooperate with the first-mentioned locking surfaces to prevent said rollinn; device from rolling, and thereby lock the platen and line-space wheel against relative rotation, said locking devices having a common axis of rotation and arranged with the locking; surfaces of one out of step with those of the other, so that when moved into lockina' relation with said first-mentioned locking surfaces, the locking action of one will take place intermediate that of the other, and thus insure a positive locking action in all relative positions of the platen and line-space wheel.

11. The combination with a platen and a line-space wheel, of a connecting train comprising a rolling device to permit relative rotation between the platen and line-space wheel, locking means connected to roll with said rolling device, said means having locking; surfaces, and pairs of rotatable loclo ins; devices. one pair on each side of said rolling device, and each locking device comprising; locking means having locking surfaces, said locking devices movable to bring their locking surfaces into engagement with said first-mentioned locking surfaces for preventing said rolling device from rolling in either direction, thereby locking the platen and line-space wheel against relative rotation, the locking surfaces of one lockmeans of each pair being arranged out of step with the locking surfaces of the other locking means of the pair, so that when either pair of locking devices is moved into locking relation to the rolling device, the locking action or one locking device will take place intermediate the action of the other, thereby insuring the certainty otthe locking action in all positions of relative adjustment of the platen and line-space wheel.

12. The combination with a platen and a line-space wheel, of a connecting train comprising a rolling device to permit relative rotation between the platen and line-space wheel, lockino; means connected to roll with said rolling device and having locking surfaces, a pair of rotatable locking devices each comprising locking means having locking surfaces to cooperate with said firstmentioned lockin surfaces and thereby lock the platen and line-space wheel against relative rotation, said locking devices having a common axis of rotation and arranged with the locking surfaces of one of said locking devices out of step with those of the other, so that when moved into locking relation with said firstmentioned locking surfaces, the locking action of one will take place intermediate the locking; action of the other, and thus insure positiveness of the locking action at all points of movement of said rolling device, and springs individual to each locking device tending to shift it to its locking position.

13. The combinationwith a platen and a line space wheel, of a connecting gear train, locking means connected to rotate ti one of the gears of said train, and duplicate lociing devices each comprising loo; surfaces movable into and out of locking engagement with said locking; means to lock said train, the locking surfaces of one device or ranged out of step with those of the other, so that the locking action of one will take place intermediate the locking action of the other, so as to insure positive locking of the gear train in all relative positions of the platen and line-space wheel.

l i. The combination with a platen and a line-space wheel, of a connecting train comprising a gear and pinion, ratchets rotating with said pinion, and pairs of ratchets on opposite sides of said first-named ratchets, the ratchets of said pairs individually movable into and out of locking relation to said first-named ratchets, the ratchets of each of said pairs being arranged out of step with each other, so that the-action of one ratchet of a pair will take place intermediate that of the other, and thereby insure positive locking in all relative positions of the platen and line-space wheel.

15. The combination with a platen and line-space wheel, of a connecting train comprising a gear and pinion, ratchets connected to rotate with said pinion, a pair of ratchets bodily movable into locking relation to certain of said first-mentioned ratchets to lock them against rotation. in one direction, the teeth of one ratchet or" said pair being out of step with the teeth 01" the other ratchet of said pair, so that the locking action of one ratchet of the pair talzes place intermediate that of the other, and a second pair of ratchets bodily movable into locking relation to other of said first-mentioned ratchets to prevent rotation in the opposite dirction, the teeth of one ratchet of said second pair being out of step with the teeth of the other ratchet of said second pair, so that the looking action of one ratchet will take place inteimediate that of the other, whereby a positive locking is insured for all'relative posi tions of the platen and line-space wheel.

16. The combination with a platen and line-space wheel, of a connecting train comprising a gear and pinion, ratchets connected to rotate with said pinion, a pair of locking; ratchets located at one side of said first-mentioned ratchets, and each bodily movable into engagement with one of the first-mentioned ratchets to lock the latter against rotation in one direction, and a secring 0nd pair of locking ratchets located on the opposite side of the first-mentioned ratchets from said first-mentioned locking ratchets, each locking ratchet of said second pair being movable bodily into and out of locking engagement with one of said first-mentioned ratchets, the teeth of each locking ratchet facing in the opposite direction from the cooperating teeth of the ratchet with which they lock, the teeth of each locking; ratchet being out of step with the teeth of the other locking ratchet of its pair so that the locking action of one ratchet of a pair Will take place intermediate that of the other ratchet space Wheel againstrelative rotation in one 7 direction, and the other 'pairof locking ratchets locking the platen and line-space Wheel against relative rotation in the other direction.

Witnesses:

K. F RANKF'OR'I, PAUL ZIRON.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents.

Wanhin gton. D. 0.

BURNHAM C. STICKNEYQ 

